Varietal History

PINOT GRIS – THE STORY

Pinot Gris was first introduced into Australia in 1832 in the collection of grapes brought by James Busby the “father” of Australian viticulture.

In the 1990’s Pinot Gris came to the attention of Australian growers and consumers. Today, it is fastest growing white varietal wine in Australia.

Pinot Gris is a white wine varietal of the species Vitis vinifera. Thought to be a mutant clone of the Pinot noir grape, it normally has a grayish-blue fruit, accounting for its name (“Gris” meaning “gray” in French) but the grape can have a brownish pink to black and even white appearance. The word “Pinot”, which means “pinecone” in French, is used to describe the shape of the clusters, which are small and pine-cone shaped.

The wines produced from this grape can vary in color from a deep golden yellow to copper, and even a light shade of pink (as we discovered in our 2011 vintage!)

2009

vintage was very small, due to the weather conditions, and the production has sold mainly to friends and family.

2010

production was exceptional and Qantas purchased the bulk of the vintage in 2010 for service in their domestic Business class lounges, where it was paired with Neil Perry Cuisine. The wine was popular, and was “sold out” within two weeks. From that experience, we have extended public awareness, with many people who drank the wine in the lounge contacting us to buy wine or get more information.

2011

produced a truly elegant, balanced, delicious wine. The colour changed from the previous coppery-blush of former vintages to a surprising rosy pink!

2012

in 2012 we won our first medal! A bronze in Dan Murphys Australian Highlands Wine Show with a score of 15.67.

2013

Second medal followed….. but this one was silver!

2014

was a year of very very difficult weather conditions with lots of rain late in the season. We had to drop fruit to get the grapes to ripen, and the consequence was a very small output, which has sold out already.